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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Data Science Lead in California is $158,782 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $76.
However, a Data Science Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Data Science Lead Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $170,833 | $14,236 | $3,285 | $82 |
| Average | $158,782 | $13,232 | $3,054 | $76 |
| 25th Percentile | $146,577 | $12,215 | $2,819 | $70 |
Menlo Ventures - Mountain View, CA
Atlas Financial - San Francisco, CA
Experimentation Jobs - San Francisco, CA
Atlassian - Mountain View, CA
A Data Science Lead's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Data Science Lead's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Data Scie... Level Data Science Lead | $195,933 |
| Data Scie... Level Data Science Lead | $126,359 |
| Data Scie... Level Data Science Lead | $159,630 |
| Data Scie... Level Data Science Lead | $208,374 |
| Data Scie... Level Data Science Lead | $254,291 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Data Science Leads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Data Science Lead roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Data Science Lead positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Data Science Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $198,478 | $95.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $190,539 | $92.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $190,539 | $92.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $182,600 | $88.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $174,661 | $84.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Data Science Lead's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $170,833 | $14,236 | $3,285 | $82 |
| Average | $158,782 | $13,232 | $3,054 | $76 |
| 25th Percentile | $146,577 | $12,215 | $2,819 | $70 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Data Science Lead job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Atlassian
San Francisco, CA
Atlassian | San Francisco, CA
Atlassian is seeking an experienced data science leader for its Enterprise go-to-market team focused on Events. This role involves close collaboration with... more
6 Days Ago
2K
Los Angeles, CA
2K | Los Angeles, CA
Who We Are2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO). Founded in 2005, 2K G... more
8 Days Ago
careers-centralhealth
Los Angeles, CA
careers-centralhealth | Los Angeles, CA
The Principal Data Scientist at Central Health System will serve as a senior data science leader, guiding the development of population health analytics, c... more
5 Days Ago
Confidential
Los Angeles, CA
Confidential | Los Angeles, CA
Vice President of Data Science. About the Company. Helps insurance professionals unlock untapped revenue in the small commercial space. Industry. Insurance... more
7 Days Ago
Confidential
San Francisco, CA
Confidential | San Francisco, CA
Vice President of Data Science. About the Company. Helps insurance professionals unlock untapped revenue in the small commercial space. Industry. Insurance... more
7 Days Ago
Confidential
San Jose, CA
Confidential | San Jose, CA
Vice President of Data Science. About the Company. Helps insurance professionals unlock untapped revenue in the small commercial space. Industry. Insurance... more
7 Days Ago
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